Are you passionate about art and design? Do you have a creative mind and an eye for aesthetics? If so, then pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) degree in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University may be the perfect fit for you. With a strong focus on developing both technical skills and artistic expression, this program offers students the opportunity to explore various mediums and techniques while preparing them for a professional career in the field of graphic design. In this article, we will delve into the details of the B.F.A program at Arkansas State University, discussing its curriculum, admission process, and why it is a highly sought-after degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Arkansas State University is offered through the College of Liberal Arts & Communication, specifically within the Department of Art + Design. This department aims to provide an educational environment that fosters the creation and understanding of art, helping students develop insight, sensitivity, and perception towards all aspects of nature. Through a combination of instructional guidance and applied experience in the studio and classroom, students are able to develop aesthetic and functional values, creative ideas, and media skills.
Description
The B.F.A program in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University is designed to prepare students for professional careers as classroom art teachers, graphic designers, or studio artists. The curriculum focuses on developing technical skills in various mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and digital design, while also encouraging students to explore their own unique artistic style and expression. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards.
Why the BFA?
The B.F.A degree is the initial professional degree for students who plan to pursue a studio-oriented post-baccalaureate degree. It is a highly sought-after degree in the field of graphic design, as it provides students with a strong foundation in both technical skills and artistic expression. With a B.F.A in Graphic Design, students are well-equipped to enter the workforce as professional graphic designers or continue their education at the graduate level.
Admission Process
If you are interested in pursuing a B.F.A in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University, here is an overview of the admission process for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Incoming Freshmen
If you are an entering college freshman, you can apply to Arkansas State University through the Undergraduate Admissions website. In addition to meeting the general admission requirements, applicants must also submit a portfolio of their artwork for review by the Department of Art + Design. This portfolio should include 10-15 pieces of original work that showcase your technical skills and artistic style. The department will review the portfolio and make a decision on acceptance into the program.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must meet the general admission requirements for Arkansas State University and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also submit a portfolio of their artwork for review by the Department of Art + Design. The portfolio should include 10-15 pieces of original work, and the department will review it to determine if any credits can be transferred towards the B.F.A program.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design concentration within the B.F.A program focuses on developing technical skills in traditional and digital mediums while also encouraging students to explore their own unique style and approach to design. Here is an overview of some of the courses offered in this concentration:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 2103 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 3103 | Typography | 3 |
| ART 3113 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| ART 3123 | Web Design | 3 |
| ART 3133 | Publication Design | 3 |
| ART 4103 | Advanced Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 4113 | Branding and Identity Design | 3 |
In addition to these courses, students in the Graphic Design concentration may also have the opportunity to participate in internships, where they can gain real-world experience and build their professional portfolio.
Digital Design
The Digital Design concentration within the B.F.A program focuses on developing technical skills in digital mediums such as animation, video production, and interactive media. Here is an overview of some of the courses offered in this concentration:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 2103 | Introduction to Digital Design | 3 |
| ART 3103 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| ART 3113 | 3D Modeling and Animation | 3 |
| ART 3123 | Video Production | 3 |
| ART 3133 | Interactive Media | 3 |
| ART 4103 | Advanced Digital Design | 3 |
| ART 4113 | Special Topics in Digital Design | 3 |
Students in the Digital Design concentration may also have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with other departments, such as film and music, allowing them to gain a well-rounded understanding of the creative industry.
Good Academic Standing
To remain in good academic standing in the B.F.A program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and earn a grade of C or higher in all major courses. They must also complete a portfolio review at the end of their sophomore year to ensure they are meeting the standards set by the department. Students who do not meet these requirements may be placed on academic probation and will have one semester to improve their grades before being dismissed from the program.
Curriculum
The B.F.A program in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University consists of 120 credit hours, with a combination of general education courses, art foundation courses, and major-specific courses. Here is an overview of the curriculum:
General Education Courses (35 credit hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1003 | Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1013 | Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1023 | College Algebra | 3 |
| COMM 1313 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| HIST 2763 | History of Art I | 3 |
| HIST 2773 | History of Art II | 3 |
| BIOL 1004 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 1004 | Principles of Chemistry | 4 |
| POLS 2003 | American National Government | 3 |
| ECON 2013 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
Art Foundation Courses (21 credit hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 1003 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 1013 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 1123 | Color Theory | 3 |
| ART 1133 | Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ART 1143 | Art History Survey II | 3 |
Major-Specific Courses (64 credit hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 2103 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 3103 | Typography | 3 |
| ART 3113 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| ART 3123 | Web Design | 3 |
| ART 3133 | Publication Design | 3 |
| ART 4103 | Advanced Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 4113 | Branding and Identity Design | 3 |
| ART 3103 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| ART 3113 | 3D Modeling and Animation | 3 |
| ART 3123 | Video Production | 3 |
| ART 3133 | Interactive Media | 3 |
| ART 4103 | Advanced Digital Design | 3 |
| ART 4113 | Special Topics in Digital Design | 3 |
| ART 4001 | Senior Exhibition | 1 |
| ART 4002 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| ART 4003 | Professional Practices | 3 |
| ART 4004 | Internship | 4 |
Conclusion
The B.F.A program in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University offers students a comprehensive education that combines technical skills with artistic expression. With a strong focus on developing individual style and creativity, this program prepares students for a professional career in the field of graphic design. The accreditation from NASAD ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards, making it a highly sought-after degree. So if you have a passion for art and design, consider studying the NASAD-accredited B.F.A in Graphic Design at Arkansas State University.
